I'm weird because I don't eat animals?

Question

Doesn't that seem a little off? Are humans really so barbaric that they can't grasp someone's decision to not want to be the cause of death for some poor animal if it's not absolutely necessary? Is it just so ingrained in our nature to kill and eat that those of us who don't kill are freaks of nature?

As you read the replies to some of the questions posted here- you see over and over that many meat eaters think of vegetarians as weirdos, freaks...even less intelligent (which I find hilarious).

I didn't say meat eaters in particular are barbaric, I am referring to those who would judge me as somehow odd because I don't choose to partake. Get it?

Mahto, that is an ignorant comment if I ever saw one. How can you presume to know anything about my life? And no, I don't own silk or sit on a leather sofa. Since becoming vegetarian I don't purchase any leather goods. Don't you feel silly? :P
As for your vegetable comment. That's just more than slightly retarded.

My "question" was- doesn't that seem a little off? Insecurity? I'll ask my psychiatrist about it at my next meeting. ;)

Answer 1

I think the reason they do all this is to make themselves feel better about the barbaric practices they partake in. They feel as though they have to point out that they eat meat and try to twist it into sounding like they are right...because they know they are wrong.

Have you noticed that many of the people in this section spend all their time disagreeing with everything a vegan/vegetarian says and putting us all down? I find that very strange---I guess we just ended up with a group of rather mean people who hang out in this section tormenting us for their enjoyment.

Maybe we should go do the same to them in one of the other food sections? LOL!

Answer 2

In reading what YOU wrote I have to believe that tolerance goes both ways. You are right... anything out of the "norm" is considered "suspect" in this life. But what I think that really is, is misunderstanding. So since YOU are the one with a "different" lifestyle, it's up to you to say, "hey, here's why I eat this way, and if you have any questions, ask me!" And because you are low-key, and don't make a big deal about it, you still might get some hecklers, but at least you've left the door open for some real communication. So please don't do what you accuse those who've answered have done... put down THEIR belief and intelligent just because they don't get it. You are much better than that, right??? I hope you are vegetarian-ing with a doctor and the healthy way! ♥

EDIT: apparently tolerance is a wish and a prayer here. I'd hoped to see more of it, that our very differences can bring us together. Obviously that was my Pollyanna attitude...

Answer 3

I don't eat meat. I have had it questioned, mostly because people who do eat it enjoy it so much. I think it's quite normal to think it's weird for someone to refrain from an enjoyable activity on principle.

I'd like to add that it shouldn't really be a surprise when someone questions what you eat if you question what they eat. Most people who question me do so only once, out of curiosity. I attribute this to the fact that I answer questions respectfully and present my answer as an opinion rather than an absolute fact. When words like "barbaric" are connected with eating meat, it's easy to see how someone might feel as though they are being judged. People who feel attacked often respond in kind.

Answer 4

I ate kangaroo burgers, and interior the miltary we had to consume bugs for survival coaching... yet none of that improve into as undesirable as eating sea slugs... I observed it on worry element and have been given under the impact of alcohol one evening and my acquaintances dared me to objective it, we went to the coastline and he grilled it up,,, it wasn't properly well worth the twenty money i've got been given reason i wa ill for each week after. ok, you women win this around, i've got eaten abnormal issues yet you all look to have eaten some unusual issues. i won't be able to even think of the place you may get a cow's concepts at interior the food market. in spite of the actuality that i had mountain oysters, that wasn't undesirable, it improve right into a snack in my mom's mart of mississippi.

Answer 5

My friends or relatives often tease me about it because they figure that not eating meat is strange. They bring it up as joke sometimes and force me to eat their meat dishes, especially around the holidays.

They say "Try it! You need protein! It's not going to hurt you because the animal is already dead and it doesn't feel pain!!"
Normally, I only visit them after the meal is over and when they say, "You want something to eat?" I would say I already ate or I have food allergies with my medication.

They usually shut up and leave me alone.

Sometimes, you have to lie to get out of things and some thoughts are better left unsaid.
That's the sad thing about it.

Answer 6

It is mean to eat an animal, but its all in what you believe. Some think, hey, we don;t have enough food, just slice up the thing, and its over with, and others say, hey, lets not be tough here and let the poor animal go. In my beliefs, I agree that its barbaric and rude, but you can't judge someone. This is a hard question to answer, so I know why you ask. This is where there is no right or wrong answer. But its definitely not weird that you don't eat animals. And its not a bad thing to be a "freak". Its just that people like us care for our species of mammals. So don't worry. Its not a big deal, its just about peoples beliefs of how animals should be treated, though I highly agree with you.

Answer 7

I don't see you as a freak of nature but you're opinion on meat eaters is clearly stated in you're question, as meat eaters must be barbaric for eating some poor defenseless animal, right?

I think tolerance is a two way street, i wont judge you for deciding not to eat meat, just extend to those who do the same courtesy.

Answer 8

No you're not weird. I went vegetarian in High School for awhile because I felt the same way as you. I feel guilty just looking a raw meat, let alone a meat section of the store. That's hundred of animals that could be alive right now if humans were a little less lazy. You are right there are hundreds of alternatives for protein and nourishment. It is just a lot more work and hard to lead a balanced life as a vegetarian. But I for one don't think you are weird.

Cheers!

Answer 9

I eat vegetables...I also happen to be a guy who likes fried chicken, a cheeseburger, or a steak once in a while.

If you want to be a vegetarian, that's your choice. I have no problem with it. The problem is when you call us barbaric for what we choose to eat. You enjoy your tofu, I'll enjoy my pork chops, and we'll be just fine. :)

Answer 10

Oh well, I think it's more the people who go to Yahoo Answers just to post disparaging comments (have you looked at the religious message boards? People are absolutely nasty to one another about religious beliefs. And then there are cultural things, blacks vs. whites, really ridiculous stuff going on here at Y! Answers). I think there are just real douchebags that like to go onto Y! Answers and aggravate and antagonize people that are different from them. They're all the same, they just pick different message boards, depending what field they're emotionally and socially retarded in.